Indigenous Flashcards
Colonization
Process of establishing and maintaining colonies in one place by those from another place and the impact to those who are already there For indigenous result has been destruction of culture and people
Cree
Largest indigenous group in Canada well established in all provinces
Elder
Man or woman whose wisdom and authority in cultural matters are recognized by their communities greater knowledge than others
Indian Act
Federal law created in 1876 that defines and regulates native peoples and their lands
Lakota
Largest of three Native American groups that make up Sioux nation
Maya
Mexican civilization
Potlatch
Indigenous ritual - family hosts feast and offers gifts. Marks milestones such as marriage childbirth death and may include music theatre dancing
Residential schools
Church run schools funded by government to assimilate and convert to Christianity the indigenous peoples
Stolen generations
Generations of Australian aborigines who as children were taken from their families by the govt and sent to foster homes or govt or church run homes. Records scarce so many were not able to reconnect with their families
Sun dance
Annual summer ritual practiced by peoples of North American plains. Meaning of solar symbolism can vary
Trickster
Term coined by scholars to classify variety of usually superhuman figures who appear in stories of cultures around the world tricksters disrupt society norms and often teach important lessons
Vision quest
Fasting ritual by members of native North American communities. Lasts several days. Involves journey to the wilderness. Rite of passage to adulthood or prep for war
Indigineous means
Original to the land
To be indigineous is to
Belong to a community that is defined by its members genealogical relations to one another and by its connection to place
Indigineous religion refers to
The beliefs experiences and practices concerning non falsifiable realities of those who identify as indigineous and who rely on kinship and location to define their place in the world
Common assumptions about indigenous peoples and culture
Us vs them; simply warriors incapable of adapting to market economies lifestyle; primitive; savages; use terms for indigineous peoples not used for others; creation stories seen as myths;; no history
Purpose of storytelling
Communicate beliefs and values; act of telling is a ritual
Why is place important in indigenous religion
Tied to specific locations sacred places where gods spirits and ancestors become present in life of each community - foundational
Ritual with emphasis on relationships to people community nature
Sweat lodge
Nature of relationship between behaviour and practice
Natural world embedded with spirit; spirit animates humans; connects humans and all of creation
Result of colonization re gender
Introduced patriarchy. Resulted in gendered stratification of local societies; devaluation of women
How did ancient Indians view women
Recognized women as powerful - but seen as so powerful could not do sweat lodge while menstruating
Gender classification is
Somewhat fluid Women may do men’s work Men can identify as women No definitive gender pattern Matrilineal societies and patrilineal societies
Most important aspects of ritual sacrifice
Communal participation; all involved; linking to spirits; key to maintaining order and meaning; may involve sacrifice
